
R.I.S.E. Charlotte Region
Regional Innovation and Support for Entrepreneurs
R.I.S.E. is the CLT Alliance Foundation's digital resource hub, empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Charlotte region to better navigate the entrepreneurial ecosystem, connect with other businesses, events and resources.
Your journey
Explore By Company Stage
From the first idea to a mature business, explore each point in the company's life cycle, finding necessary resources at each stage.

Idea Stage
Explore your idea. Research your market, test your concept with potential customers, and learn what it takes to start a business.
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Early Stage
Build a strong foundation. Create your business plan. Transform your idea into a viable business. Clarify who you serve, your offerings, and pricing.
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Growth Stage
The business gains market share, generates revenue, and hires employees to expand. Expanding regionally is likely, as well as participation in accelerators.
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Mature Stage
The business is profitable and growing steadily. National or global recognition may exist, along with enhanced talent development and physical locations.
ExploreFind what you need
Explore Resources
Browse using keywords to help find what you need, from capital and certifications to coworking spaces and events.
Funding
Loans, grants and investors for every stage.
ExploreEvents
Workshops, networking and pitch nights.
Incubators
Hands-on support to launch your idea.
Accelerators
Cohort programs built to help you scale.
Certifications
MWBE, SBE, veteran-owned and more.
Permits & Licenses
Get registered and stay compliant.
Spaces
Coworking, makerspaces and offices.
Across the region
Explore the City of Charlotte and Related Counties
Select a county below to learn more, then click explore to be guided to that specific ecosystem.
North Carolina
City of Charlotte
Charlotte businesses operate in a wide range of industries, including finance, technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. The city is a major financial center, home to the second-largest banking center in the United States. Charlotte is also a growing tech hub, with a number of tech companies and startups calling the city home. The city is also a major manufacturing center, with a focus on aerospace, automotive, and food processing.
Explore City of CharlotteReady. Set. Let's Explore!
CLT Alliance Foundation is a 501c3 organization focused on delivering customers, capital and connections to small businesses and business leaders through leveraging people, programming and technology throughout the Charlotte Region.
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